Pattaya Flood Search: Latest on the Missing Tourist

Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Jeff Tomas

PATTAYA – A foreign tourist is currently missing in Pattaya after a severe storm caused intense flash flooding. The man tragically fell into a drainage canal early Thursday morning while walking with two friends.

Local rescue teams have quickly launched a massive search, but strong water currents are slowing them down. Searchers have only found one white sneaker in the murky water so far.

The tragic accident happened at around 5 AM on the heavily flooded Map Yai Lia 45 Road. Three men were wading through deep water when two of them slipped into the swollen waterway. A quick-thinking local teenager managed to pull one man to safety before he was completely lost. Sadly, the rushing water swept the third man away before anyone else could safely reach him.

Key Takeaways:

A foreign tourist vanished after falling into a flooded drainage canal in Pattaya.
A 17-year-old local hero bravely saved one of the other men from the water.
Heavy rainfall continues to make the ongoing rescue operation very difficult and dangerous.

A Close Call in Dangerous Waters

Volunteers from a local rescue foundation arrived at the busy scene shortly after the accident happened. They have been carefully searching a three-kilometer stretch of the canal without taking any breaks. The identity of the missing man is still unknown, though witnesses strongly believe he is South Korean. The two survivors reportedly left the area shortly after they recovered from the frightening ordeal.

Heavy downpours began late Wednesday night and quickly covered several low-lying parts of the tourist city. Areas like Pattaya Third Road, Soi Bua Khao, and the Walking Street were hit very hard. Many visitors did not realize the heavy flooding had completely hidden the deep local canals. Local residents noted that the dark and flooded streets made walking outside extremely risky for everyone.

Weather Warnings Threaten the Rescue

The search operation remains active today, but ongoing bad weather is creating many more difficult problems. Forecasters predict that heavy rain will continue to hit the eastern provinces over the coming days. The Thai Meteorological Department has strongly warned people to stay alert for more sudden flash floods. Authorities advise both locals and visitors to completely avoid walking through unknown flooded streets at night.

Officials are still working to confirm the missing tourist’s identity so they can quickly inform his family. This tragic accident clearly highlights the severe dangers of sudden urban flooding during the Thai rainy season.

In case of flooding in Pattaya, Thailand, call the national emergency number **191** for police/rescue assistance, or **199** for the fire department (which often handles flood-related rescues). For medical emergencies, dial **1669**.

Locally, contact the Pattaya City Hall or disaster coordination center via the Pattaya Municipality hotline 038-0-3825-3100 during crises—check current local advisories), and monitor the Thai Meteorological Department or official city alerts for updates. Always prioritize official channels and follow evacuation guidance from authorities.